Canvas Rebel Interview

We were lucky to catch up with Mark Love recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mark , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s something crazy on unexpected that’s happened to you or your business.

My business centers around my efforts as a writer. I’m the author of 9 books that are available in print and eb00k formats. Writing mysteries can be challenging. I want my stories to be believable, so it takes a lot of research to make sure the facts are accurate and pertain to the story.

In addition to selling my books online, I frequently attend various events, such as festivals and art shows. That gives me the opportunity to interact in person with potential readers. It’s essential that I have a number of pitches prepared. In a heartbeat, I have to adjust my pitch to connect with people as they approach my booth. It’s important to be upbeat, friendly and able to engage anyone in a conversation. This is similar to being onstage. It’s improvisation at it’s finest.
At a show last year, an older woman stopped by. She glared at the covers of each book. Then she pointed a crooked finger at the first on display. “What’s this about?” she asked.

I gave her the synopsis, describing what could be found on the back. She frowned, nodded, and hooked her thumb at the one beside it. “And that one?” she asked.

Again, I gave her the details. She repeated the process, scowling at me for more than 15 minutes as we moved through the table’s display.

“So this is all fiction. Basically, you’re just making stuff up!” she said..

I agreed and confirmed that was the definition of fiction. Then I pointed out my efforts to research certain topics that were pertinent to each book. By now, I was ready to chalk it up as a waste of time. That’s when she surprised me and whipped out her credit card.

“I’ll take one of each. But you can’t charge me extra for signing them.”

“Autographs are always free,” I assured her.
​

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
​As a kid, I was an avid reader. While I read a variety of genres, mysteries always captured my attention. Perhaps that is what triggered the storyteller in me.
During my professional career, I worked in many industries in different roles. After spending twenty years as a Human Resources Director or Manager, I was tired of solving problems for employees and management and working for someone else.
Ten years ago, I began teaching business courses at the local college. One course I’ve taught every year since is Small Business Management. This focuses on how to start your own company. Teaching the material gave me insight into how to create and grow my own business.
At the same time, I had been sharpening my skills as a writer. After getting a few short stories published, I started writing novels. Research helped me find a publisher who liked my work. One story lead to another. It was a kick to see my novels get printed. I ended up leaving the first publisher and finding a second one that was more interested in my books.
Ideas kept coming. With the last name of Love (yes, that’s really my name) an editor told me readers would expect a little romance in my books. That led to the Jamie Richmond series, which are now with the Inkspell Publishing House. There are five books so far. “Devious”, “Vanishing Act”, “Fleeing Beauty”, “Stealing Haven” and “Chasing Favors”
I started a second series, about a squad of police detectives investigating major crimes. There are three books in that series to date. The Jefferson Chene mysteries are with The Wild Rose Press.. Those titles include “Why 319?” “Your Turn to Die” and “The Wayward Path”.
I’ve also self-published another book, “Rules of Desperation” was released in May, 2024. It’s my first attempt at self-publishing. It’s an experiment with a standalone book to see how it sells. I also wanted to have a new title on my display table at festivals this year.
I am proud of each book. What is remarkable to me is to see the reactions of people at festivals and events as they become interested in my work. It’s also rewarding when someone from a different venue seeks me out to buy another book in the series.
What sets me apart from other small businesses is two-fold. The books are my product. Each one is a standalone novel, set in contemporary times that the reader can relate to. Books are a great escape. They can also entertain and educate the reader. The second component is me. Whenever I’m at a festival or event, I strive to engage potential buyers, telling them just enough about myself and my books to attract their attention and hopefully result in a sale.
All of my books take place in Michigan, primarily the metropolitan Detroit area. That location becomes a character in my work. So it was only fitting that I named the company “Motown Mysteries”. The name clearly identifies what the business is about.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?Every writer will face rejection at some point. My first attempts at selling stories did not go well. Disappointment reared it’s ugly head. A cloud of doubt began to circle. Was I any good? Could I actually write a story that people would read? Would they enjoy it? How could I surprise the reader? Could I keep them guessing or would they quickly figure out the mystery?
I realized there was another way to improve my writing skills and get paid for it, by transitioning to journalism. I took a couple of journalism courses in college. One instructor recommended me and several other students to a local newspaper who was looking for freelance reporters. Many of the assignments were dull. I covered schoolboard and city council meetings. That led to offers to write editorials and a few feature assignments. Positive feedback from the newspaper editors gave me confidence.
After five years of my side gig as a reporter, I was ready to return to writing fiction.
​

Can you open up about how you funded your business?I have always worked another job. As an HR Director, I was able to set aside funds to slowly start the business. I have to purchase print copies of each of my books from the publishers. While I do get these at a discount, there are other costs I had to keep in mind. Each venue I attended usually charged a fee. Some provided booths, tables and chairs. Others did not.
In the beginning, I picked one event each month during the season (May through September). I tracked the sales and calculated how much profit from each show. The more books I had, the more I sold. The more I sold, the more events I wanted to participate in. During the offseason, I built up the account for the business. I bought my own equipment for the outdoor events. This gave me the opportunity to find new venues.
I closely monitor the sales volume at each show. In most cases, when I register for an event, I’ll check with some fellow authors to see if they are interested and available to join me. If so, that helps to reduce my cost. The less expense for the venue, the easier it is to make a profit. It’s not competition sharing a space with another author. It’s collaboration. We all treat this as a business.
Contact Info:

• Website: https://motownmysteries.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motownmysteries
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarkLoveAuthor
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/motownmysteries

Image Credits“Rules of Desperation” by Pages Promotions LLC
“Chasing Favors” and “Stealing Haven” by Fantasia Frog Designs
“Devious” by Dawne Dominique
“Fleeing Beauty” by Shades of Rose Media
“Why 319?” and “Your Turn to Die” by R J Morris
“The Wayward Path” by Debbie Taylor